Key Points To Consider When Specifying Access Solutions For Your Project

As architects, planners, and specifiers, you understand that the right access solution can be the difference between an underwhelming introduction and a striking statement, leaving a lasting impact on anyone who walks through the doors.

Just imagine a grand entrance to a corporate headquarters that exudes prestige and professionalism or a welcoming entryway to a community center that fosters a sense of community and belonging. Access solutions can make these visions a reality.

And, with the advancements in technology, there's no limit to what you can create. From sleek, modern designs to classic and timeless entrances, access solutions can balance form and function to create comfortable, secure, and visually stunning environments.

In this article, we'll explore the essential points to consider when specifying access solutions for a project. We also offer practical insights into why dormakaba can be the right partner to make your vision a reality. Get ready to discover the power of access solutions and unlock the full potential of your building project.

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The Art of Access: Considerations for Specifying Your Building's Entrances

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1. Functionality

As critical and fundamental as criterion functionality is, achieving optimal performance can be challenging. More so in high-traffic areas such as airports, train stations, and sports arenas. These areas often have a large influx of people, and managing the flow of traffic can be challenging.

For instance, in airports, access solutions such as security checkpoints and boarding gates need to be designed to handle large volumes of passengers, ensuring that they move through the airport smoothly and without delays. This requires a carefully planned layout and the use of technologies such as automated gates and turnstiles to control the flow of passengers.

Another example is in sports arenas, where access solutions need to be designed to handle the influx of large crowds arriving and leaving the venue, as well as managing the flow of spectators throughout the arena. This requires careful planning of access points, the use of turnstiles and automated gates to control entry, and security measures to ensure the safety of all attendees.

Even accomplished professionals can find it challenging to identify the right access solutions that comply with all applicable needs and safety functions. Re-planning or making technical adjustments later on can result in unnecessary delays and costs. Therefore, it is crucial to clarify all requirements and safety functions as early as possible. Further, it is advisable to seek support from specialists who can provide expert knowledge and guidance in identifying the most suitable access solutions.

Fortunately, dormakaba can assist architects, planners, and specifiers in overcoming these challenges by providing customized access solutions that meet specific project requirements. With a wide range of products and services, including automatic doors, revolving doors, turnstiles, and access control systems, dormakaba can provide tailored solutions that prioritize not only functionality but also aesthetics and security. Additionally, dormakaba's expert support team can work closely with project stakeholders to ensure seamless integration and installation of the access solutions

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2. Aesthetics

Aesthetics play a vital role in a building's design, and access solutions should seamlessly integrate with the overall architectural style. As Frank Lloyd Wright once said, 'Form and function should be one, joined in a spiritual union.' Materials, finishes, and design details should all be carefully considered to ensure that doors and entryways blend in with the building's aesthetics. But it's not just about the visual appeal; access solutions should also create a sensory experience for visitors.

'Design is not just what it looks like and feels like. Design is how it works,' as Steve Jobs once famously said. The touch and feel of a door's surface can impact a visitor's impression of the entire building. It's important to consider the tactile experience, as well as the visual one. Remember, just as a building's facade is its business card, the entrance door is the first touchpoint for visitors, and it sets the tone for their entire experience inside.

With a wide variety of options available, dormakaba can help architects and planners create entrances that not only look good but also feel good to touch and use. From sleek and modern glass doors to classic wooden entryways, dormakaba's product line is designed to offer a variety of options to architects and designers looking for the perfect solution to match their building's aesthetic. The company's product line includes sliding doors, revolving doors, swing doors, and many more, all of which are crafted with the latest technology and highest quality materials to ensure durability and longevity.

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3. Building Rules and Regulations

While it is true that architects and planners should be aware of building rules and regulations, it is important to emphasize that the complexity and variety of regulations can make it difficult to ensure compliance. This is particularly true when it comes to access solutions such as doors and entryways.

Building codes and regulations can vary depending on factors such as building type, occupancy, and location, making it a complex and ever-changing landscape for professionals to navigate. For example, a building located in a seismic zone may require specific door systems to ensure safety during an earthquake.

With a plethora of codes and standards to comply with, the complexity of ensuring compliance can be overwhelming. Moreover, doors are expected to do a lot more than just provide access. They need to be easy to use by anyone, provide smoke protection, control access, and even be part of a smoke and heat extraction system. With the increasing demand for modern and digital options in door technology, it's becoming even more complicated to ensure that doors meet all construction laws, safety technology, and functional requirements.

In addition, regulations may be updated over time, which means that even experienced professionals may need to stay informed and up-to-date. dormakaba's extensive know-how in this area ensures that our products meet all applicable codes and standards, giving architects and planners peace of mind knowing that their building is compliant and safe for all occupants.

Additionally, dormakaba offers a range of features such as fire-rated doors and automatic operators that ensure compliance with fire safety regulations. dormakaba's experts can guide on local building codes and regulations, as well as offer solutions that meet the latest standards for accessibility, fire safety, and security.

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4. Security

Security is a crucial factor in access solutions. The level of security needed will depend on the building's purpose and the people that will use it. Options such as card readers, biometric scanners, and keypads, may be considered. They can be designed to prevent unapproved access, protect the building's occupants and assets, and ensure that only authorized personnel can access restricted areas.

For example, in a high-security facility, biometric scanners may be the best option. This is because they provide a high level of security and cannot be easily replicated or stolen. High-risk facilities such as banks or government buildings may also require reinforced doors and sophisticated locking mechanisms. In a lower-security facility, such as an office building, card readers or keypads may be suitable options.

dormakaba's products offer innovative technology that seamlessly integrates with the building's design while also providing state-of-the-art security features. For example, their biometric scanners can be integrated with glass facades, offering a secure and non-intrusive access solution that does not detract from the building's aesthetics. The company's doors and entryways are designed with safety features such as sensors, emergency exit devices, and fire-rated options to ensure that users are always protected in case of emergency.

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5. Sustainability

Sustainability is an increasingly critical factor in building projects. Energy efficiency, material sourcing and recycling, and environmental impact are all essential considerations when opting for access solutions. Solutions that are energy-saving and made from sustainable materials can help reduce the building's carbon footprint. This in turn contributes to environmental conservation.

Access solutions can be designed to conserve energy in multiple ways such as -

• Using motion sensors to activate the lighting.
• An automatic door operator can minimize cold air ingress.
• Additionally, access solutions are made from sustainable materials, such as recycled metal or glass to reduce the environmental impact of the building.

dormakaba's commitment to sustainability is reflected in its products, which are designed with energy efficiency and environmental responsibility in mind. For instance, their access solutions can help reduce energy consumption by optimizing the use of lighting and HVAC systems. Additionally, their electronic access control systems enable precise control of access rights. This can help reduce energy consumption by preventing unnecessary use of lighting and other energy-consuming systems in unoccupied areas.

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The importance of finding the right access solutions partner

As an architect, planner, or specifier you might have grappled with the following challenges-

• Limited availability of suitable access solutions that meet the project requirements, budget, and timeline.
• Lack of clarity and consistency in the technical specifications and standards for access solutions, which may cause confusion, errors, and delays.
• Difficulties in coordinating and integrating access solutions with other building systems and services, such as HVAC, lighting, security, and fire safety.
• Challenges in balancing the competing demands of accessibility, safety, security, aesthetics, and sustainability, while ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.

However, choosing the right access solutions provider can lead to:

• Access to expertise and technical knowledge.
• Guidance on building code compliance and safety regulations.
• Customized solutions tailored to project requirements.
• Increased efficiency and reduced project costs.
• Streamlined installation and maintenance processes.
• Reliable customer service and support.
• Access to a wide range of innovative and high-quality products.
• Enhanced building aesthetics and functionality.

Hence, choosing the right access solutions partner can make a significant difference in the success of a project.

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Why dormakaba?

dormakaba is a leading access solutions provider. dormakaba’s team of professionals can assist through every step of the process, from selecting the right access solutions to installation and maintenance. Partnering with dormakaba provides many benefits such as-

• Access to a diverse range of high-quality access solutions, customized to meet your project's specific needs.
• Expert knowledge and support from dormakaba's team of specialists, ensuring you get the best solution for your facility.
• Access solutions that balance both security and convenience, from traditional mechanical keys to advanced electronic access control systems.
• Suitable for various types of facilities, including commercial buildings, healthcare facilities, and educational institutions.
• Solutions for both simple and complex systems, no matter the size of the project.
• Ongoing support to ensure the system operates smoothly.
• Commitment to sustainability through energy-efficient and environmentally friendly access solutions.

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With dormakaba as your partner, you can have confidence that your access solutions will meet building regulations, enhance the aesthetics of your building, and provide a secure and convenient experience for your users. But this isn’t all. dormakaba, a global leader in access solutions, offers a range of Building Information Modeling (BIM) capabilities to support project needs, including:

• 3D models of access solutions that are integrated into the BIM model to provide important information such as size, finishes, and functionality.
• Data-rich objects are accessible through BIM object which is a cloud-based platform for BIM objects. These objects include all necessary data for the specified products, such as performance data, installation instructions, and maintenance information.

Furthermore, dormakaba understands that planning and specifying door solutions can be a challenging task. As a result, the company has introduced a planning support software called EntriWorX Planner to assist specifiers in planning and specifying door solutions. EntriWorX Planner is an invaluable tool for the construction planning of access solutions.

This tool enables:

• Planning with functional door models from predefined templates.
• Ensures compliance with relevant standards and building regulations.
• Enables the visualization of access and security zones, including component lists and connection diagrams.
• Facilitate the development of technical and operational design planning. This allows for a streamlined planning process, as technical and operational design planning can be developed with greater efficiency and accuracy.

Using EntriWorx Planning 360, the technical and operational design plans for access solutions can be mapped. Further, the project plans can be adapted as needed with the help of security advisers, installers, or using dormakaba's EntriWorX Planner.

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Conclusion

In conclusion, outlining access solutions for building projects is a crucial task that requires consideration of multiple factors such as functionality, aesthetics, security, and sustainability. To ensure that the access solutions meet the necessary standards (local building codes, fire safety codes, and other relevant stipulations), and are tailored to the building's purpose, it is essential to work with experts who can provide knowledge and support. dormakaba, with its team of experts, offers a wide range of high-quality access solutions, customized solutions, and expert support to help customers make the appropriate choice.

Moreover, Building Information Modeling (BIM) can help in proposing access solutions by providing a digital representation of the building and its components. dormakaba's BIM capabilities can help customers take the best course of action regarding access solutions based on their functionality, aesthetics, security, and sustainability.

At dormakaba, we understand the challenges that architects, planners, and specifiers face when it comes to selecting the right access solutions for their projects. That's why we offer comprehensive support to help you make informed decisions about your access solutions. Our team of experts can help you identify the best products for your project, taking into account factors like functionality, aesthetics, and security.

So if you're in the process of determining access solutions for your project, don't hesitate to reach out to us at dormakaba for support. We're here to help you every step of the way, from selecting the right products to providing ongoing support throughout the project lifecycle.